Emery Oleochemicals Opens Biolubes Lab
Emery Oleochemicals announced the opening of its new 4,800 square foot laboratory and technical offices in Monheim, Germany, to support product and application development for its global biolubricants and oilfield business. Biolubricant testing capabilities are focused on characterizing esters and measuring typical application data including viscosity profiles, wear behavior and compatibility properties, including air release, demulsibility and seal compatibility. In addition, a new TOST device will enable the lab to evaluate the oxidative stability of ester fluids for industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids.
For oilfield applications, lab capabilities include preparation and testing of water- and oil-based muds. Testing abilities include rheology measurements, filterability, lubricating behavior, flow assurance and paraffin/asphaltene inhibitor testing.
The new, larger lab space will enable us to expand both our testing capabilities and technical lab staff as we continue to grow our global biolubricants and oilfield business, said Dr. Matthias Hof, global head of product and application development, biolubricants. Working in close connection with our commercial team … will allow us to more quickly customize product solutions to fit specific market needs.
Mark Durchholz, global director, biolubricants said, Dr. Hans Oschmann recently joined our team as our Global Market Development Manager for Oilfield. Dr. Oschmann has worked for more than 25 years in the oilfield industry and his addition to Emery Oleochemicals means a promising new direction for our business as we begin to focus on expanding our product portfolio beyond drilling to offer new biobased chemicals for downstream production.
Russias Base Oil Exports Slip
Russian base oil exports plunged more than 20 percent to around 700,000 metric tons in the first nine months of 2016, hampered by a supply glut in Europe, according to a consultancy. Russia is traditionally a swing supplier of base oils to the rest of Europe and at times has accounted for significant portions of the regions demand.
The supply glut in Europe coming from the Middle East and Asia decreased Russian base oil exports to above 1 million tons from January through September 2014, Terentiev told RPIs Lubricants Russia conference in Moscow in November. The geopolitical situation, hostilities in Eastern Ukraine and international sanctions … were unfavorable for the Russian petrochemical industry.
The firm found that the largest portion of Russian base oil exports in 2016, 260,000 tons, went through ports on the Baltic Sea, including 89,000 tons destined for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Black Sea ports handled 188,000 tons during the same period. In 2016, Eastern Europe imported 116,000 tons of Russian base oils, while Central and Eastern Asia imported 75,000 tons and 67,000 tons respectively, Terentiev said, adding that Nakhodka, a port city on the Sea of Japan in the Russian Far East, handled almost 30,000 tons. The rest, or 138,000 tons, went to other destinations.
Argus also found that in 2016 Russia shipped 247,000 tons of API Group I base oil using sea routes (floating storage units), 7 percent more than the year before.
Nigerias Double Licensing Dilemma
A turf spat between government agencies has lubricant blenders in Nigeria doing double paperwork and paying double fees. Nigerian lube companies must obtain licenses and pay dues to both the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources. Each agency believes blenders fall under its oversight, although blenders believe licensing should be only through the DPR.
Emeka Obidike, executive secretary for the Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria, lamented in a press statement that even when blenders show genuine proof of a Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources license, officials for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control also insist on seeing proof of licenses and payment of dues, under threat of confiscation of the blenders products.
Obidike argued that the Petroleum Act recognizes DPR as the primary regulator of the petroleum sector. He believes the food and drug agencys refusal to acknowledge the DPRs primary regulatory role amounts to a blatant disregard and encroachment on the authority and jurisdiction of the DPR.
Taiye Williams, managing director for Lubcon International Ltd. in Nigeria, said that the problem is caused by the regulators lack of knowledge, but noted that it is being resolved. We are discussing it with them, and at the next meeting we shall have a position, said Williams.
Saudi Aramco Pulls out of Malaysian Deal
Saudi Aramco announced that it has shelved plans for a joint venture with Petronas in Malaysias southern state of Johor. The U.S. $27 billion project, launched in 2012, is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2019. It comprises a 300,000 barrel per day refinery and a petrochemical complex with a production capacity of 7.7 million metric tons.
Despite this move, Petronas said the project would remain on track for its 2019 launch. Despite the current slowdown in the world economy and depressed oil prices, the … investment remains a priority for Petronas, the company said in a statement.
Evonik Buys Stake in NIS
Evonik Industries has invested through its venture capital arm in Nanotech Industrial Solutions, Inc. (NIS), headquartered in Avenel, New Jersey, United States, and now holds a minority share in the company. The parties have agreed not to disclose the volume of the transaction. NIS plans to use the proceeds for further growth of the company.
Evonik received a seat on the Board of Directors of NIS, which produces additives for engine oils, metalworking fluids, industrial oils and greases. The companys technology releases nanostructured materials to improve friction and wear.
NIS and Evoniks Oil Additives Business Line completed a commercial agreement as part of the investment. Evonik believes that the investment offers the chance to fulfill even more demanding customer requirements. Whats more, access to the technology of NIS opens up further development opportunities for our current products as well as new products in our existing and future markets, said Ralf D ssel, head of the Oil Additives Business Line.
Innospec Completes Surfactants Purchase
Innospec Inc. has completed its acquisition of the European surfactants business of Huntsman Corp. The business is managed from Belgium and has manufacturing assets in France, Italy and Spain.
The business recorded sales revenues of U.S. $230 million and employs 430 people. Innospec will integrate the acquisition into its Performance Chemicals business. The sale of the European surfactants product line is in line with Huntsmans strategic transformation of its Performance Products business.